"I think Clowney is actually a better athlete than Mario, so that kind of tells you what kind of player he can be," said McNair.

If the Texans pick up Clowney, he'll be joining one of the fiercest defenses in the NFL. He'd also be suiting up next to Pro Bowl defensive end J.J. Watt, last year's Defensive Player of the Year.

McNair says he's already spoken to Watt about Clowney and will be looking to the fourth-year defensive end to help groom and mentor the Rock Hill native if Houston drafts the South Carolina junior.

"One of the things I said to J.J. was, 'J.J., I don't know what will happen, but if we get Clowney, we want you to instill in him the kind of work habits that you have," said McNair. "He said, 'Well, if he's in the same room as me, he'll have 'em.'"

McNair is no stranger to picking up NFL talent from the Palmetto State. Last year, the Texans drafted Clemson wide receiver De'Andre Hopkins and South Carolina safety DJ Swearinger.